Erik ten Hag defends Maguire after ‘disrespectful’ treatment during international break

Erik ten Hag has backed Harry Maguire to block out the noise following recent jeers that were directed at the centre back whilst on England duty.

The former Leicester man was teased by Scotland fans every time he received the ball at Hampden Park, and subsequently scored an own goal after coming on as a half-time substitute.

England manager Gareth Southgate hit out at the criticism Maguire has received in recent times following the win over Scotland, claiming the reception from the home fans was “a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time”.

And ten Hag was asked about how Maguire is dealing with recent events.

“Good, you see his career, a lot to come, he has to block it by good performances,” he said.

“I have said many times, it is disrespectful, he doesn’t deserve it, he is a great player, gives great performances. It is crazy but how it works. Harry has to block this.

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho is not training with the first-team squad after a falling out with ten Hag, following United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal.

This is following comments made by the Dutchman about Sancho’s performances in training, with Sancho responding in a statement by claiming he was being labelled as a scapegoat.

“Strict lines is what the club asked me because there was no good culture before last season so to set good standards, that is what I did and it is my job to control the standards,” ten Hag explained.

“It is never someone makes one mistake, it is a whole process before you come to a certain outcome about strict lines. There is a structure to cross lines so you have to be strong.

“I think everything is said. So the squad is strong, in good spirits and good mood going into the game.”

Tags Erik ten Hag Harry Maguire

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